RIVER

Javier's call did not come, and no matter how long I waited, it seemed like night was coming, so when Taylor called and said he was still in school, I agreed to hitch a ride with him. The car is silent after the initial greeting between us.

"I am sorry about this morning," I confess because I felt bad for blowing him off.

"Oh, it's okay, sweetheart," he murmured, eyes firmly on the road even though I stared long and hard at him. I had to admit he had a really good side profile; looking ...